My most recent race trip took me to Hawaii for the Kauai Half Marathon. I was never interested in visiting Hawaii. For someone who lives on the East Coast, Hawaii is a long trip - over 10 hours alone on airplanes, not my idea of a fun time. Then I saw the movie “The Descendants”. … Continue reading Chickens and The Sea
A Life Lesson from Mr. V.
My running adventures (and my blog posts) have been sporadic since July because, well, life got in the way. That is my way of saying I have had two relatively minor health issues to deal with. I don’t do inactive very well. If you want to make me very depressed, tell me I can’t run. … Continue reading A Life Lesson from Mr. V.
Someday is Now
There are fascinating people you can meet when you take that first step to say hello. We were reminded of that during our recent vacation in Montana. While passing through Bozeman, we stopped for lunch at one of the restaurants along Main Street. I noticed a bicycle, loaded with gear on the front and back, … Continue reading Someday is Now
Just Say No to No
Recently my husband handed me an issue of Sports Illustrated, pointed to one article and said “read this.” The article was about Jeff Glasbrenner. When Jeff was 8 years old, he lost his right leg below the knee in a farming accident. He spent 47 grueling days in the hospital during which he had 14 … Continue reading Just Say No to No
Moose and Mimosas
To date I have run a full or half marathon in 44 of the 50 states. My most recent race was the Her Tern Half Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. My goals when I boarded the plane to Anchorage were simple. I wanted to complete the half marathon so I could check off Alaska and to … Continue reading Moose and Mimosas
Running to Catch a Boat
I broke my big toe last July, one week before the Shipyard Brewing Old Port Half Marathon in Portland, Maine. I was disappointed to miss the race and vowed to run it this year. Last weekend I headed to Portland with expectations of running, eating lobster rolls, and seeing a moose. The scenery around Portland … Continue reading Running to Catch a Boat
Staying Safe
Safety on the roads is one thing both runners and bicyclists have to keep as a top priority. Hazards come in all forms. It can be somebody attacking us on a lonely stretch of a trail or a menacing dog with a taste for athletes. I know someone who was attacked by a raccoon during … Continue reading Staying Safe
My Marathon Monk
Three years ago I read a book titled “The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei” by John Stevens. The book focuses on the Tendai Buddhist monks who complete Kaihōgyō, 1,000 days of long distance walking, meditation, and prayer over a 7-year period. Kaihōgyō is by far more demanding than any modern-day athletic endurance event, so demanding … Continue reading My Marathon Monk
Running, Raptors, and a Rodeo
Vacation Races is a terrific organization that puts on races near national parks. It is a wonderful way to combine running a race with a visit to a national park. In 2015 I ran their Rocky Mountain Half Marathon and in 2016 I ran their Zion Half Marathon. Both races were challenging but memorable. Last … Continue reading Running, Raptors, and a Rodeo
I Ran Far in Fargo
Recently while flying to a race, I thought about how silly this all seems - traveling to 50 states to run endurance events. Aren’t they all the same? How can any race be different? 26.2 or 13.1 miles is the same not matter where you run it, right? My most recent race in Fargo, North … Continue reading I Ran Far in Fargo
Adventures of a Funatical Runner 